May 10, 2020 - 5th Sunday of Easter

Welcome to the Virtual Parish weekly worship! We encourage you to participate with your family in the following Liturgy of the Word. You will find audio recordings of the readings and videos of Father Au reading the Gospel and providing his Homily.

If you follow us on Facebook, we encourage you to have a discussion regarding these readings and homily. Have a Blessed weekend and stay well.

Gospel

John 14:1-12

Homily

Integrity, not perceived results, are what determines our work's value.

For several weeks after Easter our liturgies include a reading from the first letter of St. Peter who is writing to encourage the early church community that is undergoing persecution and rejection.

He reminds them that they are suffering because of what is right about them and the witness they are giving to the Gospel of Christ. He calls them to be faithful to the witness they are giving and not give into despair because of the rejection they receive. He calls them to remember who they are, a royal priesthood and a people set apart. They are called to be faithful to the witness they give and not judge themselves by the results they get.

We need to ponder this message in our own hearts, as we are the product of a culture that teaches us to judge ourselves and others by the achievements and results we get in our efforts and relationships. When we don't get the results we hoped for in our efforts and the responses we hoped for in our relationships with others, we easily judge ourselves and our commitments to others as failures, and we are often tempted to give up.

We need to remember and embrace the challenge Peter gave to his community: The value of what we offer in loving commitments and service to others is determined by the integrity with which we live those commitments and not by the responses of others or the results we get.

Intercessions

For those infected with coronavirus, that they may receive prompt, effective and compassionate medical care.Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For all medical professionals who are courageously treating those infected. May they be shielded, strengthened and guided as they administer healing treatments and care. Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For all who are suffering from the coronavirus, as well as for doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all those who are working to combat the disease.Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For those most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly, the poor, the homeless and those disabled or weakened by other health conditions.Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For those under quarantine, that they might be comforted by your presence and protected from disease, anxiety and fear.Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For our public healthcare leaders and government agencies that they might be informed and well prepared as they deal with this pandemic. Grant them the resources and assistance they need to use their wisdom in the best interest of public health.Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For medical researchers who are tracking the course of the coronavirus. May they uncover patterns that will help us understand how to remain healthy. Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For those searching for treatments, cures and vaccines. May you guide them, reveal new ideas and accelerate their discoveries to fight this disease. Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For the communities, areas and countries hardest hit by coronavirus. Restore their sense of wellbeing and community. Sustain them, comfort them and give them hope. Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For all whose lives are disrupted by the coronavirus; for families who have been separated by quarantine or whose livelihoods have been jeopardized.Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For a quick end to the progression of COVID-19, that lives might be spared.Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

Closing Prayer

We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God

In the present tragic situation, when the whole world is prey to suffering and anxiety, we fly to you, Mother of God and our Mother, and seek refuge under your protection.

Virgin Mary, turn your merciful eyes towards us amid this coronavirus pandemic. Comfort those who are distraught and mourn their loved ones who have died, and at times are buried in a way that grieves them deeply. Be close to those who are concerned for their loved ones who are sick and who, in order to prevent the spread of the disease, cannot be close to them. Fill with hope those who are troubled by the uncertainty of the future and the consequences for the economy and employment.

Mother of God and our Mother, pray for us to God, the Father of mercies, that this great suffering may end and that hope and peace may dawn anew. Plead with your divine Son, as you did at Cana, so that the families of the sick and the victims be comforted, and their hearts be opened to confidence and trust.

Protect those doctors, nurses, health workers and volunteers who are on the frontline of this emergency, and are risking their lives to save others. Support their heroic effort and grant them strength, generosity and continued health.

Be close to those who assist the sick night and day, and to priests who, in their pastoral concern and fidelity to the Gospel, are trying to help and support everyone.

Blessed Virgin, illumine the minds of men and women engaged in scientific research, that they may find effective solutions to overcome this virus.

Support national leaders, that with wisdom, solicitude and generosity they may come to the aid of those lacking the basic necessities of life and may devise social and economic solutions inspired by farsightedness and solidarity.

Mary Most Holy, stir our consciences, so that the enormous funds invested in developing and stockpiling arms will instead be spent on promoting effective research on how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Beloved Mother, help us realize that we are all members of one great family and to recognize the bond that unites us, so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, we can help to alleviate countless situations of poverty and need. Make us strong in faith, persevering in service, constant in prayer.

Mary, Consolation of the afflicted, embrace all your children in distress and pray that God will stretch out his all-powerful hand and free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can serenely resume its normal course.

To you, who shine on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope, do we entrust ourselves, O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.